If we fail to anticipate the unforeseen or expect the unexpected in a universe of infinite possibilities, we may find ourselves at the mercy of anyone or anything that cannot be programmed, categorized or easily referenced.

October 22, 2007

Like Houdini

Like Houdini on the stageBlowing the crowd away, so amazingGripped in aweBright eyes shining with adoration and delight

At seven I became a magicianFrom that time I performed many a trickLook, the crowd had began to leaveHack, abracadabra a thirdThey sat and watchedOne after the other the certificates flew out of the hatGreat delightHow they clapped

At fourteen I got a bigger stageFrom the very first actA crowd of hundreds set a a gazeThree times a year it was 'Vuala!'They all clappedEnvy and canonisation all were feltSave the best for last!How much it was spectacularI was the best magician of all

Onto the witches parade I went at eighteenMy magic as powerful as their spellsWow them I didMore and moreThose who where there at my firstThose who where there nowWith a thundering drum-rollWith my blazing green gown and golden stripesI made the cat disappear!Now they really loved meThose who where there at my firstThose who where there now

Higher and higher to sourAny magician's fancyEven taught the little some tricksThey loved itThe wizards could not believe itThose who where there at my firstWanted me to take the thunder of the sorcerersThe extravagant but shallow sorcerers

A high stage indeedBright lights lit all aroundBut perform I didWhat an uproar after my first bowI could match the sorcerers!The sorcerers care little of a lone magicianA magician from a distant landThey watchHow long will the magician lastThe sorcerers rub their handsBide their time

The extravagance wore me downTry as a mightThe stage, I alone, could not fillThe sorcerers could, quite a thrillThose who where there at my firstLook on with impatient eyesDash across the stage I didAbracadabra!Abracadabra!Here and thereA shallow applause after my bowMy head bowed, breathing hardThe curtain came downI go on my kneesI barely finished thatThe who where there at my firstShouts, lamentations and jibesDemanding I fill the stage

I grow weaker and weakerThe stage is to vastBefore I catch my breatheThe curtain comes upSilence and they wait for meI walk up to the spotlightI see the tragedyCards stacked so high, whithering, bound to fallLike Patience staring at grief and smilingI hold out my hat and magic stick in a crossI can feel the weakness in my kneesThe bearing on my shoulders,I a magician, like HoudiniTake a bow